Boy Survives 8,000 Volts After Grabbing Power Line

QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS - A neighbor saved the life of a boy who touched an 8,000-volt power line after he climbed a large maple tree near his Quincy home.

Danny Marks' father said his son was just curious and didn't realize the danger of grabbing the line.

"He took about 8,000 volts," said Deputy Gary Smith of the Quincy Fire Department. "He fell about 15 feet and landed in the crook of a tree. He's alive and it's a miracle."

"According to the children in the area, he said, 'Watch this,' and he grabbed the wire," said Lt. John Kingsley. "The wire, of course, jolted him and there was a puff of smoke and he fell to a lower branch, about 15 feet. His neck was caught in the crook of the tree."

Pat Freeman was on the ground watching his friend climb the tree.

"I heard a collapse and I saw smoke, and then he just like fell," Pat said. "He was hanging right up there."

The kids then ran for help. A neighbor, Paul Adamson, climbed up the tree. Another neighbor climbed up after him to help.

"Between the two of them, they lifted him up, and then I heard a big breath," said witness Tom McDonagh. "I started screaming, and then we were happy."

No one was happier than Danny's father, Mike Marks.

"Words can't describe how happy I am, and how elated I am and relieved," he said. "It's indescribable."

Danny is recovering at a hospital but is expected to be OK. He has an exit wound from the electricity bolt in his ankle.